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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN'S HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW IS MORE THAN A WHISTLE STOP

If you live anywhere near New York City, this is a must see—and it’s almost over. The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx is stupendous. The artistry and craftsmanship in this show is astounding, and it is something not to be missed. The show closes on January 10, 2010, so you still have time! The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is transformed into a landscape of handcrafted New York buildings, bridges, and tracks where trains and trolleys travel. It’s marvelous!

This photo is a close-up of one section of Senator William Andrews Clark’s home on Fifth Ave. (click on the photo to enlarge) Notice the shingles surrounding the windows are leaves; the windows themselves are decorated by bits of acorn and twigs which also form the window panes. In the center, notice the figures are bits of corn husks twisted and shaped to look like women. The siding on the middle story is slivers of bark. Every bit of every building in the exhibit is constructed of natural material. The attention to detail and the variety of materials astound and amaze. The artistry is incomparable. While it is impossible to examine each building closely, it is not impossible to admire this incredible exhibit. This is the rest of the building. (although it was torn down in 1925, we taxpayers are probably still paying for it---haha--only kidding?????)

Look at some of the other structures, but remember that I’ve captured only a few. If you’re familiar with New York, look for the Edgar Allan Poe House, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Penn Station, The Guggenheim, Yankee Stadium, the Apollo Theater, Radio City Music Hall, The Chrysler Building, the lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge, and the Arch in Washington Square.

If it’s not too cold, take the tram ride through the garden. Though there isn’t much to see this time of year, you will see the wide expanse and hear of its history and future. This is an important place in our city. Go online to www.nybg.org to buy tickets; there are assigned times. How much did Rob and I love this day? We became members. Enjoy this seasonal treat.